Materials and Technologies in Oral Research 2nd Edition

Wirobond^® C is a commercial dental casting alloy suitable for the fabrication of crowns, bridges, and metal ceramic restorations. This study aims to investigate the effect of ready-to-use Listerine^® and Meridol^® mouthwashes and sodium fluoride on the resistance of CoCrMo dental alloys to electrochemical corrosion in artificial saliva at 37 °C. SEM, EDS, SKP, and microhardness investigations were carried out to characterize the material under study. The in vitro corrosion resistance of the CoCrMo alloy was conducted using the open-circuit potential method, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and anodic polarization curves. The presence of Co 59.8(8) wt.%, Cr 31.5(4) wt.%, and Mo 8.8(6) wt.% was confirmed. The CoCrMo alloy was characterized by a Vickers microhardness value of 445(31) µHV_0.3. Based on the EIS data, the capacitive behavior and high corrosion resistance of the CoCrMo alloy were revealed. The kinetics of pitting corrosion in the artificial saliva were lower after being modified with NaF, Listerine^®, and Meridol^® mouthwashes. The potentiodynamic characteristics revealed the passive behavior of the CoCrMo alloy in all solutions. Based on the SKP measurements of the CoCrMo alloy after corrosion tests, the effect of artificial saliva modification on the electronic properties of Bego Wirobond^® C dental alloy was found. Full article

Composite discoloration is considered one of the most significant disadvantages of dental restorations. The purpose of our study was to assess the color susceptibility of two esthetic composite filling materials, microhybrid composite (ValuxTM Plus) and nanohybrid composite (FiltekTM Z250 XT), to different solutions and compare the results among different measuring methods (Intraoral scanner, Easyshade spectrophotometer, and Vita classical shade guide). A total of 100 specimens were fabricated in this experimental study. Each sample was soaked in either Coca-Cola, orange juice, tea, coffee, or distilled water for 30 days. Color measurement was performed using the spectrophotometer, IOS 3Shape Trios, and Vita classical shade guide. L*a*b* values were recorded to determine the color changing (ΔE00). The significance level was p < 0.05. All samples showed clinically visible color changes after immersion in coffee, tea, orange juice, and Coca-Cola. The nanohybrid composite showed high color change when placed in tea (ΔE00 = 12.5) measured by the Intraoral scanner, spectrophotometer (ΔE00 = 23.21), and by Vita classical shade guide (ΔE00 = 25). Less color discoloration was perceptible in the microhybrid composite when immersed in Coca-Cola (ΔE00 = 1.78) measured by spectrophotometer, intraoral scanner (ΔE00 = 2.85), and measured by Vita classical shade (ΔE00 = 3.2). The results showed that measurements with the spectrophotometer and Vita classical shade guide were correlated. The results were analyzed using the chi-square and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and there was a significant difference (p < 0.001) in both composite resins for all the solutions, with microhybrid being more color stable. Microhybrid composite had more color stability than nanohybrid composite, especially when immersed in tea and coffee. The spectrophotometer with Vita classical shade guide showed better interrater agreement than with the intraoral scanner. Full article

The correction of malocclusions with severe skeletal deformity generally requires surgery combined with orthodontic or prosthodontic treatment; partially or totally edentulous patients, and patients with a prosthetic fixed crown, represent treatment restrictions and, therefore, challenges. The purpose of this study is to show a complete multidisciplinary approach and the planning involved (pre-, intra-, and post-operative) for a patient with a class-II or -III dento-skeletal malformation, who presents a total or partial edentulism or a fixed-type rehabilitation and, therefore, requires a combined orthognathic surgical treatment with prosthetic rehabilitation. Orthognathic surgery can be performed on an edentulous or prosthodontic patient to correct discrepancies between the jaws, followed by the placement of implants or a mobile prosthesis to rehabilitate the maxillary bones maxillary Different surgical approaches and technical variations have been proposed; however, the key to the success of such treatments lies in the multidisciplinary nature of the entire diagnostic, programmatic, and therapeutic path, which, therefore, necessitates close collaboration between different specialists—in particular, the maxillofacial surgeon, the orthodontist, and the prosthetist. Full article

Purpose. This in vitro study compared the vertical marginal discrepancy (MD) and absolute marginal discrepancy (AMD) between the zirconia substructure and titanium (Ti)-base abutment before and after cementation. Material and methods. An intraoral scanner (CEREC Omnicam scanner; Dentsply Sirona) was used to scan the dental model of missing tooth 36 and obtain a three-dimensional virtual model. It was designed and milled for 25 zirconia superstructures (inCoris ZI meso F2 L, Dentsply Sirona). The samples were cemented to Ti bases. The MD and AMD were measured for each sample by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) before and after cementation. Results. The overall mean values of MD measurements before and after cementation were 14.12 μm and 20.28 μm, respectively. The overall mean values of AMD measurements prior to and after substructure cementation on the Ti base were 54.85 μm and 116.0 μm, respectively. ANOVA revealed significant differences in MD (p = 0.001) and AMD (p < 0.001) before and after cementation. Conclusions. Significant differences were observed in MD and AMD values before and after cementation. The MD and AMD values were significantly lower before cementation than after cementation. The mean MD and AMD values were clinically acceptable. Full article

Background: The phenomenon of vapor lock, characterized by the formation of gas bubbles, poses challenges in achieving effective cleaning and debridement during endodontic treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of vapor lock and to quantify its volume in the root canal system. Methods: Ten single-rooted teeth were selected, and their root canals were shaped using the Protaper Next system and irrigated with 5% NaOCl and 17% EDTA. Then, the canals were irrigated with a solution made of contrast medium (8 M cesium chloride solution) mixed in equal proportions with 5% sodium hypochlorite. CBCT scans were performed to analyze the presence and volume of bubbles in different canal thirds. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the number of bubbles and the percentage of space occupied by them. Results: The results demonstrated the presence of vapor lock in all treated teeth, with a higher concentration of gas bubbles in the apical canal third. The formation of gas bubbles hindered the cleaning and debridement procedures, particularly in the apical region. Conclusions: This study provides evidence of the occurrence of vapor lock and highlights the importance of enhancing the cleaning phase in endodontic treatments to minimize bubble formation or eliminate them once formed. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the challenges posed by vapor lock and suggest avenues for optimizing endodontic procedures. Full article

The central objective of this research was to examine the color consistency of three materials, Biodentine (Septodont, France), Angelus MTA (Angelus, Brasil), and BIOfactor MTA (Imicryl, Turkey), when exposed to various irrigation solutions and to observe their impact on tooth discoloration. Each material was used to make sample cylinders (n = 18). After hardening, the samples were immersed for 24 h in either distilled water, 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), or 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX). A spectrophotometer was used to measure the color changes. On the mandibular molars, access cavities were made in order to assess the discoloring impact of calcium silicate cements. In the pulp chambers of the teeth, Biodentine, Angelus MTA, and BIOfactor MTA were inserted (n = 17). Glass ionomer cement was used to seal the samples. Spectrophotometric measurements were made at five different intervals (the beginning, one week, one month, three months, and six months), after which color variance values were computed. The resulting information was statistically evaluated. In all solutions, Biodentine and BIOfactor MTA displayed similar ΔE values. When Angelus MTA was soaked in NaOCl, it discolored more than in CHX or distilled water. Distilled water and NaOCl both caused identical discoloration on all material groups when solutions were examined separately. With CHX, Biodentine changed colors more significantly. After a week and a month, all substances caused comparable tooth discoloration. Biodentine produced the most significant color shifts on teeth at the third and sixth months. Angelus MTA exhibited less color stability in NaOCl and Biodentine in CHX. While Biodentine induced significant discoloration, BIOfactor MTA only showed a moderate amount. Full article

The priority of modern dentistry is to keep patients’ teeth for as long as possible. Tooth extraction is a procedure performed as a last resort when conservative methods and endodontic surgery procedures have not brought the expected results. As a consequence, the number of patients in dental offices, who require first and repeated endodontic treatment, is increasing. Thus, the development of new technologies in the medical industry, including microscopy, computer tomography (CT), as well as diode and neodymium-YAG-erbium lasers, enables dentists to increase the percentage of successful treatments. Moreover, mixed reality (MR) is a very new technology, in which the 3D view can help plan or simulate various types of tasks before they will be carried out in real life. In dentistry, 3D holography can be applied to display CT data to plan endodontic treatment. The most important element in effective root canal treatment is the precise imaging of the root canal. The CT scans allow dentists to view the anatomy of the patient’s tooth with much higher precision and understanding than using 2D radiography (RTG-radiographic photo) pictures. Recently, the development of new 3D technologies allows dentists to obtain even more data from existing CT scans. In this paper, the CT scan data were applied to generate patient teeth in 3D and simulate the view of the root canal’s anatomy in MR devices, i.e., Microsoft HoloLens 2. Using DICOM RAW data from the CT exam, we generated a 3D model of the jaw with a tooth. In the next step, the crown of the tooth was removed in a similar way to how a dentist would do this using a dental handpiece. Furthermore, all root canals were cleaned of everything inside. This way we achieved empty tunnels, namely root canals. Finally, we added appropriate lighting, similar to the type of lighting that dentists use. The proposed approach enables to display of the root canals in the same way as during the endodontic procedure using a microscope. It allows for the visualization of the root canal and changing its direction, in which dimensional accuracy is crucial. It turns out that mixed reality can be considered a complementary method to the traditional approach, which reduces the amount of time for the root canal treatment procedure by up to 72.25%, depending on the complexity of the case, and increases its effectiveness. Thus, the mixed reality-based system can be considered an effective tool for planning dental treatment. Full article

Over the past 10 years, the number of dental implants has grown significantly. This increase has consequently led to an elevation of the statistics related to cases of peri-implantitis. Laser therapy has conquered a place among the therapies of excellence to treat peri-implantitis. However, the laser device used could influence the therapy’s success. The aim of this comparative experimental work was to highlight the differences in the work on grade 4 titanium surfaces of the most commonly used laser lights in this field, taking into consideration any structural damage that lasers could cause to implant surfaces. The lasers examined were a 980 nm diode laser; a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser; and a new generation of 1064 nm Nd:YAG Q-switch nano pulsed laser. We evaluated the titanium temperature increase, the pre- and post-treatment two-dimensional surface appearance observed under the scanning electron microscope; finally, the three-dimensional pre- and post-treatment topographic analysis was assessed using atomic force microscopy. We showed that the 1064-nm Q-switch Nd:YAG nanosecond pulsed laser appears to be more suitable for the preservation of implant morphology because of the absence of the induction of metal damage. Full article

Apigenin (APG), a natural flavonoid compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, was found to promote in vitro osteogenic differentiation and to accelerate in vivo bone formation, indicating APG as a promising molecule in bone repair, with potential clinical application in bone-deficient conditions. In particular, in dentistry, it is fundamental to increase the available bone volume for implant placement in the maxilla. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the APG effects on osteoblasts (hOBs) obtained from a human jaw. hOBs were incubated with increasing concentrations of APG (5, 10, 20 µM) to assess cell viability and morphology at 24 h and proliferation at 48 and 72 h. Upon establishing the absence of cytotoxicity and any morphological changes, APG showed a stimulating effect on cell growth, with significative results using 5 µM (5-APG) at 48 h. Thus, 5-APG was chosen for further investigations in order to assess alkaline phosphate (ALP) at 7 days, mineralization at 14 days and expression of ALP, Osteocalcin (OCN) and Collagen 1 (COL1) genes at 7 days. Our results showed that 5-APG accelerated osteoblast mineralization activities and significantly upregulated ALP and COL1 gene expression. Hence, this study demonstrated that APG is able to promote human oral osteoblasts proliferation and mineralization, suggesting its potential usefulness in dentistry. Full article

Background: Maxillary sinus augmentation is a method extensively used to restore sufficient bone volume in the posterior maxilla to allow for the placement of fixtures. The purpose of the present case report was to describe a rare case of sinus osteoma used for implant support and to review the relevant literature. Materials and Methods: A 58-year-old man with a radiopaque intrasinusal lesion was referred for rehabilitation of the maxilla. The lesion was probably an osteoma and involved the nasal wall of the maxillary sinus. After discussing the options with the patient, he agreed to maintain the lesion and a sinus augmentation with a bone graft. A part of the osteoma was partially removed for histological analysis while avoiding perforation or tearing of the schneiderian membrane. After six months, 6 implants (Bone System Implant, Milano, Italy) were placed in the maxilla, two of which were inserted in the osteoma. Results: The two implants placed in the osteoma were perfectly osseointegrated. The graft material appeared well-integrated with no local signs of inflammation. No postoperative events or symptoms were reported after the surgery stages and at a 6-month follow-up. Regarding the two implants placed in the osteoma: article selection identified 9 case reports, 2 case series, and 1 retrospective study for a total of 58 subjects, 35 males and 25 females. The patients’ ages were heterogeneous and ranged between 12 and 79 years old. Conclusions: In the present case, we decided to leave the osteoma because it was asymptomatic and used as dental implant support. The effectiveness of the present investigation can provide useful guidance for surgeons and dentists in the management of similar clinical situations. Full article

Background: The management of a hyperdivergent growth pattern is one of the most challenging in orthodontics and different treatments are advocated. The present study analyses the effectiveness of elastodontic therapy with AMCOP^® devices in treating children with hyperdivergent class II malocclusion and the effect on the upper airway patency. Methods: The study group included 21 patients (10 males and 11 females, mean age 8.22 ± 1.17 years) with a hyperdivergent growth and a class II malocclusion treated with AMCOP^® devices. Cephalometric analysis was performed before treatment (T0) and after treatment (T1). Results: After treatment, the cephalometric analysis revealed a correction of the class II malocclusion and a modification of the growth pattern with a divergence reduction. The improvement of the upper airway space was also observed. Conclusion: The elastodontic therapy effectively corrected hyperdivergent class II malocclusion in growing patients over a short period. Full article

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an innovative technology widely used in dentistry for manufacturing objects of various shapes using different materials. It has gained increasing popularity in the field of pediatric dentistry, particularly in the production of space maintainers, which serve as a preventive orthodontic treatment following the early loss of primary molars. Aims: In this systematic review, we present a comprehensive overview of the manufacturing process for space maintainers, ranging from traditional procedures to the advancements in 3D printing technology. Materials and Methods: Our review adheres to the PRISMA criteria and includes scientific articles published until 27 May 2023, without any restriction on the publication period and language. To conduct our research, we searched electronic databases, such as Medline, Web of Science, and Embase, using specific keywords and MeSH terms. Results: We identified 9 articles that discussed the CAD/CAM manufacturing and 3D printing of various types of space maintainers. Conclusions: Based on this systematic review, it is evident that 3D-printed space maintainers offer great potential as an alternative to conventionally processed ones, by addressing their limitations. However, further studies are required to evaluate the accuracy, efficacy, and clinical success rates of different 3D printing technologies, materials, and designs for additive manufacturing of space maintainers. Full article

The innovative perspectives of the modern medical era aim to reach the highest performance and accuracy of therapeutic processes carried out for the evolution of diagnostic pathways. Digital planning and real-time diagnosis represent the hottest topics for researchers and clinicians in dentistry and oral medicine. To date, radiology is the gold-standard method for caries detection in the clinical setting. However, radiology poses a series of clinical limitations due to the use of ionizing radiation and its incapacity to recognize and detect enamel defects or early caries. In addition, radiology also presents issues surrounding its responsiveness to remineralizing agents and the microscopic gaps between the tooth and restorative treatments. To date, the evaluation of these conditions is only permitted ex vivo, with common methods in clinical practice not being applicable for establishing the actual condition of every case in every single patient. This work aims to develop state-of-the-art knowledge on conventional and unconventional innovative dental imaging techniques, focusing on those that not only promise to pursue the early and less invasive detection of dental disorders but also those that could be applied in clinical practice, with a particular interest in real-time in vivo confocal microscopy. Full article

This current review aims to provide an overview of the most recent research from the last 10 years on the potential of low-level light therapy (LLLT) in the orthodontic field, particularly focusing on studies about tooth movement, root resorption, pain perception during treatment, and the stability of orthodontic miniscrews. “Low-level laser,” “orthodontic,” and “LLLT” were the search terms utilized on the databases Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed, and the Boolean operator “AND” was utilized. Of the 974 studies found, 41 publications related to our topic were included in this review. Many authors agree that LLLT could trigger an enhanced biological reaction next to the tooth in the periodontium, promoting osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, while it could also have a positive impact on bone regeneration and on increasing the rate of tooth movement, enhancing the stability of miniscrews and minimizing the occurrence of root resorption. Regarding pain management during treatment studies, the results have been controversial. Conclusions: even though further studies are still needed, the use of LLLT can improve both clinical results and patient comfort during treatment by reducing treatment duration, improving clinical aspects, such as miniscrew stability, and minimizing root resorption. Further investigations are needed to assess whether LLLT offers any real benefits regarding pain relief. Full article